Cole Skuse has sung the praises of past and present team-mate Brett Pitman, whose winning goal at MK Dons on Saturday puts him alongside co-striker Daryl Murphy as Town’s leading marksman during the current campaign.

Summer signing Pitman took his Town tally to six in what was his 200th career league start, although a further 162 appearances as a substitute have also contributed to his impressive haul of 121 league goals in two spells with Bournemouth, as well as at Bristol City and now Ipswich.

Town boss Mick McCarthy knew he was signing a proven goalscorer in Pitman but recently admitted that the Jersey-born player is an even better all-rounder than he had previously thought.

Skuse, however, is not surprised after playing with him at Bristol City, and said: “Even before I knew Brett was going to sign for the club, when we saw him score for Bournemouth last season on the TV highlights, I said to the lads here that he was the best finisher I had ever played with.

“When he rang me before he signed he said ‘There is a chance I could be coming to join you in sunny Suffolk’. I told the other players he would be a great signing because he was such a good finisher, plus his all-round ability. His technical ability is outstanding and he has proved to be an excellent signing.

“He has come to fruition in the last few weeks. He’s got his goals but if you asked Brett he would say he would like to have scored more.

“He’s hit himself for missing the target with some chances but overall he’s been a great signing. I told him when he rang me ‘You’ve got to come and sign’ and I’m glad he did. I know how pleased the gaffer is with him.

“He’s got all sorts of finishes in the bag. Any chance in the right area and you would put your house on him to score.

“Mind you, I have still never seen another player with Brett’s running style and I think a lot of people would say the same. He has his own unique style — it’s like a shuffle I guess — but he is deceptively quick.

“He’s also very good in the air with a great leap and he’s deceptively strong as well, compared to how he looks. It’s not just his strength, it’s how clever he is at using his body to roll defenders in terms of shielding the ball.”

Midfielder Skuse, who has netted just once in his 107 appearances since arriving from Bristol City, was asked if he had learned anything about the art of goalscoring from his former Ashton Gate colleague. He replied: “No, but I’m lucky enough to room with him on away trips and he’s forever going on about his goals.

“I just tell him if he’s got two minutes I could tell him about every single one of mine in my entire career. But Brett — he’s a great lad, a great finisher and a great player.”

Photo: Action Images

BigHibbs added 10:59 - Dec 15 Great signing , Pitty it pushes Sears out wide as I'm not a fan of his out there. But better to have him in the side playing there than to drop one of the three , with Fraser back and didz regaining fitness I fancy us up top
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Seasider added 15:51 - Dec 15 Jimmy Leadbetter(Sticks),didn't look like a footballer either
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